Background

Unicellular spore-forming parasitic protozoa that are found pervasively throughout the environment.[1] Microsporidiosis most commonly affects immunosuppressed individuals and seldom has implications for the immunocompetent patient.

Clinical Features

Clinical manifestations are wide ranging and typically affect immunosuppressed hosts (e.g. HIV/AIDS, long-term steroid use, transplant and chemotherapy patients), travelers, children, and the elderly[2]. The most common manifestation is copious diarrhea with volume depletion leading to electrolyte derangements.[3]